Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Oxford, United States, where the climate can lead to elevated sun exposure risks throughout the year. Being informed about the UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health, especially during peak hours when the UV index can reach as high as 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With Oxford's Cfa climate bringing warm summers, awareness of these UV fluctuations is key to enjoying the outdoors safely and minimizing long-term skin damage. Stay informed, protect your skin, and make the most of Oxford's sunny days!
At sunrise, the UV Index starts low at 1 at 07:00, gradually rising to 3 by 09:00. As the day progresses, the sun’s strength peaks with a remarkable 11 at both 13:00 and 14:00. This intense level suggests that protective measures are essential during these hours. By 15:00, the index begins to decline, settling at 9, and continues to decrease, dropping to 2 by 18:00 and returning to a safe 1 by dusk at 19:00. It's a day urging sun-worshippers to stay protected during those midday hours of utmost UV intensity.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, highlighting the importance of sun protection for both visitors and residents. January and December see moderate levels (UV Index of 4), with a burn time of 30 minutes, while February ramps up to a high level (Index 7), decreasing burn time to 25 minutes. The high-risk months are clearly defined from March through August, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11) in May, June, and July, requiring caution with an effective burn time of just 10 minutes. April also registers a very high rating (10) with a 15-minute burn time, and August slightly decreases to a very high level again at 10. As autumn approaches, September (UV 9) and October (UV 8) remain critical, while November drops to a high UV Index of 6. In light of these variations, it is crucial for everyone to consider applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, particularly from March to August when the risk of skin damage is significantly heightened.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Oxford | 4 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |